When you face criminal charges, your future reputation may be at risk. Incarceration is a real possibility if you are convicted. The assistance of a Goose Creek criminal lawyer could be crucial in building your defense against these charges.

Accusations that you have broken the law can be life-altering. You could lose your career, your financial security, and even your freedom, depending on the nature of the charges against you. To avoid these potentially disastrous consequences, you may consider consulting an experienced defense attorney for advice and representation.

Criminal Charges in Goose Creek

Criminal offenses in South Carolina range from low-level misdemeanor offenses punishable by fines to extremely severe felony charges, such as rape and murder. A criminal lawyer in Goose Creek could explain how certain factors influence the ultimate penalties for these offenses, such as harm to others, the use of deadly weapons, and financial damage involved in the crime.

Alcohol-Related Offenses

Many criminal charges relate to the illegal handling of alcohol, which could result in license suspensions, fines, and jail time. For instance, both a minor in possession of alcohol charge and furnishing alcohol to a minor charge are illegal under state law. Likewise, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a common charge in Goose Creek.

Drug Crimes

Possession, distribution, and intent to distribute illegal drugs are also among charges individuals frequently face in Goose Creek. These criminal offenses typically involve marijuana, cocaine, heroin, meth, or prescription drugs, including opiates and other controlled substances prescribed for pain. More severe drug crimes involve manufacturing and trafficking in controlled substances, as well as conspiracy to commit these offenses.

Violent Crimes

Criminal charges relating to violence or threats of violence toward others could result in harsh consequences, especially if serious bodily injury results. Some examples of these charges include assault and battery, rape, and murder.

Property Crimes

Some criminal offenses affect other individuals only financially and may not intend any physical harm. These crimes include theft, robbery, and arson. White-collar crimes like embezzlement, money laundering, and fraud involving financial transactions fall within this category of offenses, as well.

Penalties and Consequences for Criminal Convictions

Like most states, South Carolina law classifies crimes as either misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanor crimes range from an exempt charge, which could result in a jail sentence of fewer than 12 months, to a Class A offense, which is punishable by up to three years in prison and thousands in fines. Individuals could face other ramifications of a misdemeanor conviction as well, including payment of restitution, community service, completion of counseling or educational programs, or loss of driving privileges.

State law outlines six degrees of felony offenses, with Class F felonies being the least severe and Class A felonies being the most. A conviction for a Class A felony would be punished by up to 30 years in prison, whereas a Class F felony conviction would result in up to five years.

The collateral of a felony conviction often goes beyond these severe sentences. Individuals with a felony conviction may be ineligible for some jobs and lose some civil rights, such as the right to possess firearms. A criminal defense attorney in Goose Creek could explain the penalties for all types of criminal convictions and assist in defending individuals against these charges.

Call a Goose Creek Criminal Attorney for Advice on the Allegations Against You

Facing criminal charges can be a highly stressful experience. If you are uncertain about your future and what to expect from your criminal proceedings, engaging the help of a Goose Creek criminal lawyer could put you in a stronger position to oppose the charges that you are facing.

You have rights in criminal proceedings under state and federal law, regardless of the circumstances. With knowledgeable legal counsel assisting you, you could mount a strong defense to the charges against you.
